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Houllier concentrating on season

By Patrick Goss

GERARD HOULLIER has insisted that thoughts of new recruits are very much on the back burner whilst he concentrates on getting his Liverpool side into the Champions League.

Pressure on Houllier and his team has eased following victory in the Worthington Cup, guaranteeing entry into Europe through the Uefa Cup.

However, the Reds boss is keen to build on the newly found confidence to push for a top four place and entry into the Champions League, and does not even want to think about possible new faces for next year.

He said: "I have seen the reports, but recently, I have also been linked with [Fabrice] Fernandes, with [Alain] Boumsong, with [Philippe] Mexes and with Djibril Cisse.

"I expect there to be speculation every week. I can dismiss this.

"I am happy with the squad we have and I am concentrating on the remainder of this season.

"We will do our best to get into the Champions League.

"Now is not the time to be looking ahead to next season.

"I'm not preparing for that yet because we still have a job to do this season."